Carton



Nov. 19, 1963 G. v. sKowRoNsKl 3,111,255

CAR'I'ON Filed Feb. 16, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 "4151, "7 'mii-"D A mVENrofL GEORGE V. SKOlAJ RONSKI Nov. 19, 1963 G. v. sKowRoNsKl CARTON 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 16, 1961 INV EN TOR.

Nov. 19, 1963 G. v. sKowRoNsm 3,111,255

cARToN 4 Sheets-Shut 3 Filed Feb. 16, 1961 INVENTOR.

Geonee v SKowRoNSm www mr v/ ATTORNEKS.

Nov. 19, 1963 G. v. sKowRoNsKl CARTON 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 16. 1961 w. w w. m

GEORGE V. SKOURON SKI United States Patent O New Jersey Filed Feb. 16, 1961, Ser. No. 89,762 7 Claims. (Cl. 229-51) This invention relates to a tamperproof, reclosable carton which may ``be made from a single blank. More specifically, the invention relates to a oarton for packaging ice cream and other articles, having a reciosable cover or lid.

Ice cream is customarily packaged in either cartons employing Conventional end locking means or cylindrical containers. Both of the aforeimentioned packaging means have serious drawbacks. The use of looking means invoives greater detail in die cutting for the blank than does a carton that is sealed by adhesive. If the looking means is improperly cut or distorted, the oarton may open prior to use `by the user. Cylindrical containers cost more to produce than do rectangular cartons. Further use of a cylindrical container is uneconomical in regard to storage space both for the seller of the packaged ice Cream and the Consumer. Also, the cyiindrical package does not readily lend itself to equal division of the contents by slicing `as does a rectangular package.

A typical locked end carton is shown in FlGUkE 4 of U.S. Patent No. 2,760,7l3, wherein the length along the longitudinal edge of the carton is substantially greater than the height. When the contents are removed from the end of such canton the hand must penetratc further into the carton than when removing the contents through the top so that the chanoe of getting ice cream on the hand is greatly increased.

`lf end locks are cmployed, the user is likely to overlook any top opening means which may be present, and thus only opens the locked end paneis to gain access to the contents. The use of sealed end panels in place of the looking panels shown in the aforementioned patent discourages the end opening of the carton, and conversely encourages removal of the contents through the larger top opening, which is in fact more convcnient. Further, the sealed end carton gives a stronger construction than does the locked end carton. The use of the strongest construction possible for a given weight board is especially important in the packaging of ice Cream which presents a unique problem. When loaded, the ice cream is in a plastic semifluid state. As the ice Cream is frozen after loading, it expands exerting pressure on the oarton making a strong carton construction very advantageous.

From the standpoint of Storage space, utility and convenience the ideal packaging means is a parallelepiped, sealed end, top opening carton which has an `adhesively secured opening means. Such a carton is tamperproof since the itearing of either the sealed ends or the opening feature is readily ascertainable. Gienerally. previous top o-pening cartons have not been satisfactory from several standpoints. Some of the cartons are construoted for top filling and henee cannot be employed with existing end loading machinery. When constructed for top filling, difliculty has been encountered in making the cartons suibstantially tamperproof. When the type of carton shown in the aforementiorred patent is opened from the top, there is a tendency for the top panel to tear along the score lines defining the lateral edges thereof. This is due to two factors. One, there is a bond forrned between the ice cream and the inside surface of the top panel. Secondly, the flaps which are hingedly attached to the lateral edges of the top panel are frictionally en- 31,1 1 1,255 Patented Nov. 19, 1963 "ice gaged by the locked end panels. Due to the factors noted above, the tear resistance of the top panel is overcome and ripping occurs at the intersection of the lateral score lines with the front longitudinal edge of the top panel.

The i'laps hingedly attached to the lateral edges of the top panel of the carton of the aforementioned patent complicate reclosure once the carto-n has been opened. When the top panel is swung back about the score line defining the rear longitudinal edge of the top panel, the flaps attached to the lateral edges of the top panel disengage from their frictional contact with the locked end panels and swing outwardly. In order to engage the ilaps upon reclosure, it is neccssary to insert the flaps in their original position inside of and adjacent to said locked end panels which is both time consuming and inconvenient.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a tamperproof top opening carton which opens readily without any tearing or peeling of the carton pancls.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a top opening carton with a tear strip opening means and which can be readily reclosed without the tucking in of locks or flaps.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a carton which by its construction directs the user to employ the top opening means and not to open the end paneis.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a top opening oarton with a hingcd cover portion which telcscopes over the receptacle portion so that none of the flaps or panels protrude from the reclosed carton.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an end loading carton that is adaptable to existing fiiling machinery.

Further details, advantages and objects of the invention will be apparent from the following spccification and -appended drawings wherein:

FlGURE l folded upon itself and having certain sucut and scored to form a oar'ton having a reclosable lid,

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the blank shown in FIGURE l folded upon itself and having `a certain superposed portions adhered together' as a step in making a carton from the blank,

FIGURE 3 is a fragmental perspective of the folded blank shown in FIGURE 2 partially set up,

FiGURE 4 is a fragmental perspective of the saime partially set-up 1'olank at a further stage in being set up,

FIGURE S is a fragmental perspective of the same partially :set-up blank at still a further stage,

FIGURE 6 is a fragmental perspective of the completed carton showing the cover in closed and sealcd condition,

FIGURE 7 is a fragmental perspective of the completed oarton showing :the tear strip partially removed, and

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view showing the carton opened and the cover folded back.

Referring to FIGURE l, the carton is made of a single foldable blank A of flexible material such as paperboard. The blank is divided by score lines `10-18 and cut lines 32. and 33 into hingedly connected panels and flaps including opening panel 40, top panel 41, back panel 42, bottom panel 43, front panel 44, opening flaps 45, top flaps 46, end flaps 47, bottom flaps 48 and end flaps 49.

A teor strip comprising 45h and 40h is defined by perforatcd score lines 19 and 20 in opening flaps 45 and opening panel 40. Top flaps 46 are divided into portions doo, 45h and 46o by perforated score lines 21, 22 and 23 and by holes 30. End fiaps 47 are notched arcuatciy at 31 as shown. The function of the perforated score lines, hoies and notches will be more fully described hereinafter.

The blank A is formed into a glued carton shell by folding front panel 44 about score line 13 to lie directly superposed on bottom panel 43, applying a dhesive on the exposed surface 40tI and then folding panels 40 and 41 about score line 11 so that the adhesive bearing surface overlies and becomes adhered to the exposed surface of panel 44 adjacent score line 13. l'n such condition, as shown in FIGURE 2, the shell may be shipped economically to the product packager for set-up, filling and sealing.

FlGURE 3 depicts an initial stage in which the carton is squarcd and ready for filling. Usually one cnd is Closed and sealed, the carton `filled and then the other end closed and sealed. Since both closing and sealing steps are the same, reference is had to closing just one end of the carton. When the shell is squared panels 41, 42, 43 and 44 are positioned consecutively at right angles to each other. Opening panel 40 bears the same relation to panels 41, 42 and 43 as does panel 44 on which it is directly super-imposed.

In closing the carton, bottom flap 48 is folded inwardly about score line 17 to a position perpendiculur to bottom panel 43 as shown in FIGURE 4. Then end flap 49 is folded inwardly about score line 18 to overlie bottom flap 48. The inner surface of opening `flap 45 between score line and the bottom edge is coated with adhesive and the fiap folded inwardly about score line 14 to overlie and become adhered to end flap 49. Adhesive is applied to the inner surfaces of end flaps 47 adjacent the outer edges. End flap 47 is then folded inwardly about score line 16 and adhered to end flap 49 to give the configuration shown in FIGURE 5. To complete the closing, adhesive is applied to the inner surface of top flap 46 on that portion of 46o which will abut 45o when the carton is closed, and on portion 46, following which flap 46 is infolded on score line 15 and adhered to the subposed flaps. Since top flap 46 completes and adheres the end closure, the step of adhering portion 45c of opening fliap 45 to end flap 49 may be omitted. The Closed carton as it appears to the Consumer, prior to opening. is shown in FIGURE 6.

Referring to FIGURE 7, in opening the carton the tear strip is grasped at the end portion 45h which is visible through hole in top flap 46` and pulled outward and toward front panel 44. This causes a tearing action along the several perforated score lines. Portion 46h tears along perforation lines 22 and 23, dropping out when the edge of flnp 46 adjacent the front panel 44 is reached. Underlying portion 45h tcars along perforation lines 19 and 20, throughout the length of opening panel and into the opposite opening flap 415 until the hole on the opposite end is reached, at which time the tear strip drops free. In order to reach the contents in the carton, it is merely necessary to pull `upwardly on the free edge of portion 40o which causes a separation of portion 46o and 46c of top flaps 46, along perforated score line 21.

When the carton is completely opened as shown in FIGURE 8 opening panel 40, opening flaps and top ilaps 46 have each been Separated into cover and receptacle portions. The cover portion which includes top panel 41, panel portion 40a and flap portions, 45a and 46a is hingedly connected along score 11 to the receptacle portion. Receptacle panel portion 40, panels 42, 43 and 44, flap portion 45c and end flap 49 comprise the receptacle portion of the carton. Since the cover walls are connected at the front corners of the carton, there are no loose flaps projecting from the lateral edges of the top panel when the carton is open. In reclosing the carton, the cover portion is merely lowered so that the appearance of the carton is essentially the same as when the tear strip was removed. The necessity of reinscrting the top flups s obviated because the cover walls are connccted and close over the outer surface of the corresponding receptacle walls.

The present invention providcs a carton construction using an intcgral blank. The carton can be readily set up, fillcd with the commodity to be packaged, and sealed by automatic machinery. The carton is tamperproof because it can not be opened without reveuling tearing along the perforated score lines. There are no loose flaps to either cause inconvenience to the user or else to distract from the appeurance of the carton. The carton can be opened and closed numerous times without losing its rigid construction.

lt is to be `understood that the description of the carton construction given herein is merely illustrative of the essential :features of the invention, and is not limitcd to the specific dimensions or contours which may be greatly varied or modified and which variations are intended to be included Within the scope of the lappended claims.

l claim:

l. A tamperproof, rcclosable carton, formed of a single blank, suitably cut and scored to provide a carton having hingedly connected end flaps, and front, back and bottom panels; a top panel hingedly connected to the upper edge of said back panel; an opening panel hingedly connected along the front edge of said top panel and having opening llaps hingedly attached to the end edges thereof, said opening panel and opening flaps overlying and adhered adjaeent to their lower edges to said front panel and end flaps respectively; top flaps hingedly connected to the end edges of said top panel overlying and adhered to said opening flaps in the area adjacent their upper edges; and a continuous tear strip defined by a pair of spaced lines of `weakness extending from a free edge of one of said opening `flaps throughout the entire length of said opening panel to a free edge of the other opening flap.

2. A tamperproof reclosable carton formed of a single blank suitably cut and scored to provide a carton having hingedly connected end flaps and front, back and bottom panels; bottom liaps coextensive in area With the ends of said carton hingedly connected to the end edges of the bottom panel and underlying said end flaps; a top panel hingedly connected to the upper edge of said back panel; an opening panel coextensive in area with said front panel hingedly connected along the front edge of said top panel and having opening flaps hingedly attached to the end edges thereof, said opening panel and opening flaps overlying and adhered adjacent to the lower edge to said front panel and end fiaps respectively; top llaps hingedly connected to the end edges of said top panel overlying and adhered to said opening flaps in the area adjacent to their upper edges; and a continuous tear strip defined by a pair of spaced lines of weakness extending from a free edge of one of said opening flaps throughout the entire length of said opening panel and to a free edge of the other opening flap.

3. A tamperproof, reclosable carton formed of a single blank suitably cut and scored to provide a carton having hingedly connected front, back and bottom panels; bottom fiaps coextensive in area with the ends of said carton hingedly connected to the end edges of the bottom panel; end flaps overlying said bottom ilaps hingedly connected to the end edges of said front and back panels; a top panel hingedly connected to the upper edge of said back panel; an opening panel coextensive in area with said front panel hingedly connected along the front edge of said top panel and having opening flaps attached to the end cdges thereof, said opening panel and opening flaps overlying and adhered adjacent to their lower edges to said front panel and end llaps respectively; top flaps hingedly connected to the end edges of said top panel overlying and adhered to said opening flaps in the area adjacent to their upper edges; and a continuous tear strip defined by a pair of spaced lines of weakness extending from a free edge of one of said opening flaps throughout the entire length of said opening panel to a free edge of the other opening ilap.

4. The carton of claim l `wherein said top flaps, eoextensive in area With said end fiaps, have their central portions removed to expose the ends of said tear strip, and have cut score lines substantially eoincident with the cut score lines defining said tear strip so that removal of the tear strip removes a portion from each of the top flaps.

5. A tamperproof reclosabie carton formed of a single blank suitably cut and scored to provide a earton having hingedly connected front, back and bottom panels and end llaps; a top panel hingedly eonneeted to the upper edge of said back panel; an opening panel eoextensive in area With said front panel hingedly conneeted along the front edge of said top panel and having opening ilaps hingedly attnched to the end edges thereof, said opening panel and opening flaps overlying land. adhered adjacent to their lower edge to said front panels and end flaps, respectively', top ilaps coextensive in area with said end flaps hingedly eonneeted to the lateral edges of said top panel and having the-rea a hole formed by rcrnoving a Central portion therefrom, a pair of horizontal, parallel splaced cut score lines in each top flap extending from said hole to the front edge of said flap, and a cut score line extending from said hole upwardly to the back edge of said `liap; said top flaps overlying and adhered to said said opening flaps in the area adjacent to their upper edges; a eontinuous tear strip defined by a pair of parallel, straight, spaced cut score lines extending from a free edge of one of said opening iaps located beneath the hole in said top flap underneath and between said cut score lines in said opening tlap through the entire length of said opening panel underneath and between the parallel cut score lines in tihe other top flap to a free edge of the other opening liap beneath the hole in the said other top flap so that When the tear strip is removed the carton is divided into a cover portion and a receiptacle portion.

6. A tamperproof, reclosable carton formed of a single blank, said blank being suitably cut and seored to provide consecutive front, bottom, back, top and opening panels hingedly eonneeted together; opening flaps hingedly connected to the end edges of the opening panel; end flaps connected to the end edges of tat least one of said front, bottom and rear panels; said blank being folded to provide a carton having said opening panel and opening fiaps superposed over said front panel and end flaps respectively, at least one of said opening panels and opening `flaps adjacent an edge remote from the top panel being adhered to a respective subposed front panel and end `liap; top flaps hingedly connected to the end edges of the top panel and folded into faee-to-face postion with the adjacent opening flaps, said top and opening tiaps being adhered together; and a pair of spaced lines of wealtness eatending between the plane of the top panel and the area of adhesion of the opening panels and opening llaps to the front panel and end flaps, said lines of wealrness at each end terminating at a free end of said opening panel and opening fiaps, said lines of 'Weakness defining a tear strip positioned between the plane of the top panel land the area of adhesion of one of said opening panel and opening llaps to a subposed front panel and end flap.

7. A carton formed of an integral blanlt cut and seored to provide a bottom, a rear Wall,` an inner front wall member, land inner end Wall members. complementary rear and front outer end wall members on the end edges of said rear wall and said inner front wall member disposed in overlapping relation to said inner end wall members, said rear wall, inner front wall member and inner end Wall members being of uniform height, a cover hingedly eonneeted to the upper edge of said rear wall and provided with end flaps, an outer front wall member on the swinging edge of said cover provided with end llaps disposed in overlapping rclation to said outer end wall members, said cover end flaps being disposed in overlapping relation to and secured to upper portions of said end tiaps on said outer front wall member, said outer front Wall member and its said end fiaps having vertically spaced fracturing scores extending throughout the lenigth thereof, said outer front wall member being secured to said inner front wall member and its end flaps being secured to outer end wall members below the lower of said fraeturing scores.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,s85 Lowey July s, 1938 2,348,377 Goodyear May 9, 1944 2,842,304 Ringler July 8, 1958 2,864,548 Zastrow Dee. 16, 1958 

1. A TAMPERPROOF, RECLOSABLE CARTON, FORMED OF A SINGLE BLANK, SUITABLY CUT AND SCORED TO PROVIDE A CARTON HAVING HINGEDLY CONNECTED END FLAPS, AND FRONT, BACK AND BOTTOM PANELS; A TOP PANEL HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO THE UPPER EDGE OF SAID BACK PANEL; AN OPENING PANEL HINGEDLY CONNECTED ALONG THE FRONT EDGE OF SAID TOP PANEL AND HAVING OPENING FLAPS HINGEDLY ATTACHED TO THE END EDGES THEREOF, SAID OPENING PANEL AND OPENING FLAPS OVERLYING AND ADHERED ADJACENT TO THEIR LOWER EDGES TO SAID FRONT PANEL AND END FLAPS RESPECTIVELY; TOP FLAPS HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO THE END EDGES OF SAID TOP PANEL OVERLYING AND ADHERED TO SAID OPENING FLAPS IN THE AREA ADJACENT THEIR UPPER EDGES; AND A CONTINUOUS TEAR STRIP DEFINED BY A PAIR OF SPACED LINES OF WEAKNESS EXTENDING FROM A FREE EDGE OF ONE OF SAID OPENING FLAPS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE LENGTH 